Our Favorite Cycling Shoes That Cost Less Than $100

The Drift IIIs are not your typical cycling shoes. Yes, they are compatible with two-bolt clipless pedal cleats, but Pearl Izumi also borrowed features from its running shoes to give more cushion for plusher hikes or runs, with or without the bike. The quick-lace closure makes the Drift III shoes easy to pull on and fast to pull off when you arrive at the swimming hole. A women’s version is also available.

Sizes: 39 to 49 in whole sizes

Pearl Izumi Men’s X-Alp Drift III, $100.00

Shimano SH-R065

Shimano

Black cycling shoes are always stylish, and there’s no need to worry about grease or grime fouling their appearance. A hole in each shoe’s sole ventilates on hot days and lets water drain if you are caught in a downpour. With dual mounting plates, these shoes are compatible with two-bolt mountain-style and three-bolt road-style clipless pedal cleats.

For commuting to the office or running errands around town, the Kursk Pros are classy shoes that hide their clipless compatibility. Flex points in the sole allow a natural gait while offering support for pedaling. Built with Cordura uppers and vulcanized soles, these should be long-lasting shoes.

With aggressively lugged clipless-compatible soles and extra protection around the toes and outside of the feet, these are real mountain bike shoes. Easier and more secure for walking than road shoes and cleats, “mountain” shoes are also great for indoor cycling, fitness, cyclocross, and road riding. Three Velcro straps are lighter than a mechanical closure, and there’s no plastic to break in a crash or upon contact with a rock. A men’s version is also available.

Sizes: 36 to 43 in whole sizes

Bontrager Women’s Evoke MTB, $100.00

Specialized Women’s Trivent Sport

Specialized

With these shoes, you’ll zip through the transition faster than a Bugatti Veyron for the price of a Honda Accord. The Launch Clips are your turbos. With the assistance of rubber bands, they hold the shoes upright so you just grab the bike, hop on, and slip your feet in without needing to flip the shoes up. Save even more time thanks to a notched main strap which holds each shoe open, and big heel loops to pull it on. A men’s version is also available.

Sizes: 36 to 43 in whole sizes

Specialized Women’s Trivent Sport, $100.00

Louis Garneau Women’s Ventilator Shoes

Louis Garneau

As their name implies, these shoes feature multiple sole vents for fresh, comfortable feet. Three Velcro straps, which many of us at Bicycling find more comfortable than a mechanical closure, hold them snugly and offer easy mid-ride fit adjustments. The soles accommodate two-bolt and three-bolt clipless pedal cleats, and the shoes come in white or black. A men’s version is also offered.

Sizes: 36 to 43 in whole sizes

Louis Garneau Women’s Ventilator Shoes, $100.00

Giro Rumble VR

Giro

With the sure grip of Vibram rubber soles, you’re free to leave the bike and explore—or just walk up the stairs to your apartment with less worry. With contemporary style that doesn’t scream, “I’m a cycling shoe!,” the Rumble transitions effortlessly from office to errand to bar crawl. A women’s version, called the Petra VR, is also available.

Sizes: 39 to 48 in whole sizes

Giro Rumble VR, $80.00

Diadora Phantom Junior

Diadora

These are some of the only clipless-compatible road cycling shoes for kids. They’re nice, too—the stylish perforated synthetic-leather uppers have two easy-to-use Velcro straps and fluorescent yellow highlights for a bit of extra visibility. The soles accept two-bolt and three-bolt clipless pedal cleats. If your kid is into riding dirt, the same upper is offered with a mountain bike sole. Men’s and women’s versions are also available for the same price.

Sizes: 33 to 36 in whole sizes

Diadora Phantom Junior, $99.00

Nashbar Ragster II

Nashbar

If you find average cycling shoes to be a bit too serious and claustrophobic, perhaps you need a cycling sandal. Nashbar’s sandals have stiffened soles and are clipless-compatible with two-bolt cleats so you’re sure to get wherever you’re going in plenty of time. Three straps secure your feet in place, and a toe shield provides a bit of protection. Socks not allowed.

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